New Court Decision Includes Pet Custody in Divorce Rulings

Alaska has become the first state to legally empower judges to consider the well-being of companion animals in divorce and domestic abuse proceedings. In other words, considerations about custody will extend to pets as well.

Judges can also now grant joint custody for pets. Prior to the new bill, custody of the pet would depend on who had paid the adoption fee or who paid more of the expenses for the animal.

“Pets are truly members of our families. We care for them as more than just property.”

“Pets are truly members of our families. We care for them as more than just property,” said Liz Vazquez, the bill sponsor. “Imagine being a domestic violence victim with an abuser who uses your pet as a weapon to keep you from calling the police or Troopers. This bill takes that threat away.”